ramp
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ramp
An inclined plane that connects two levels of different heights and is used, for example, for vehicles, wheelchairs, or for loading and unloading goods.
Der LKW fuhr rückwärts an die Laderampe des Lagers.
The truck reversed up to the warehouse loading ramp.
front of the stage
The front edge of a theater stage, where the lighting, the footlights, used to be attached.
Nach der Vorstellung traten alle Schauspieler an die Rampe, um sich vor dem Publikum zu verbeugen.
After the performance, all the actors stepped to the front of the stage to bow to the audience.
launch ramp
A launching or takeoff device, for example for rockets or ski jumpers.
Der Skispringer glitt die eisige Rampe hinunter und hob kraftvoll ab.
The ski jumper glided down the icy launch ramp and took off powerfully.
The meaning of 'Rampe' is easy to recognize from context. In transport or construction, it refers to an inclined plane; in theater, to the front edge of the stage; and in sports or technology, to a launching or jumping device.
Der Rollstuhlfahrer nutzte die neue Rampe am Eingang.
The wheelchair user used the new ramp at the entrance.
'Rampe' is often part of compound nouns that describe the function more precisely. Typical examples are 'Laderampe' (loading ramp), 'Rollstuhlrampe' (wheelchair ramp), 'Startrampe' (launch ramp), or 'Skaterrampe' (skate ramp).
Der LKW wartet an der Laderampe auf die neue Fracht.
The truck is waiting at the loading ramp for the new cargo.
The well-known idiom 'im Rampenlicht stehen' (to be in the spotlight) comes from the front edge of the stage, 'die Rampe'. It means to be at the center of public attention.
Als berühmte Schauspielerin steht sie oft im Rampenlicht.
As a famous actress, she is often in the spotlight.
ski jump / rampart
In ski jumping, Rampe and Schanze can refer to the same facility, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Rampe mainly refers to the sloping start or takeoff section, while Schanze usually refers to the entire ski-jumping facility. Use Rampe for the individual section and Schanze for the facility as a whole.
Der Skispringer stößt sich am Ende der Rampe kräftig ab.
The ski jumper pushes off forcefully at the end of the ramp.
Am Wochenende besichtigen wir die große Schanze im Wintersportort.
This weekend, we are visiting the large ski jump in the winter sports resort.
